Joe Strauss: OK, OK, everybody way up!!! for a pre-trade deadline session of Joe Strauss Live!!! The surf is super high today as the ChatHeads are no doubt breathlessly anticipating Chris Carpenter's start tonight and John Mozeliak's maneauverings before tomorrow's 2 p.m. CST deadline. Since I'm staring at reams of questions, let's keep the witty monologue to a minimum, grab a board and climb the tsunami. Let's Get It On!!!

steve: Joe---first time riding the wave! On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most certain, how would you rate the likelihood of Ankiel and Ludwick matching or even exceeding this year's performance in 2009? And, has Tyler Greene inserted himself in the middle infield mix for next year (wouldn't an impact bat at 2nd if he can't handle short be great?

Thanks

Joe Strauss: It's fair to say both guys are enjoying career years since, well, this is their first full year in the major leagues. I believe Ankiel has only scratched the surface of his potential as a hitter. If Ludwick could only duplicate what he has given the club this season he would project as a starter for 4-5 more years. To answer your question, I think the duo has a "6-7" chance of matching or exceeding this year's performance in '09. If you are familiar with their stories, you know health is a huge variable. As for Greene, he was considered Springfield's best player before being promoted to Memphis earlier this week. Greene has had health issues. Others believe he has merely underachieved. However, he now appears on a faster track and could still justify the club picking him 30th overall in 2005.

Larry Harnly: Were the Cardinals players for Damaso Marte and/or Xavier Nady before they were moved by Pittsburgh? Who would the Cardinals had to have given up?

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals had significant interest in Marte but apparently were blown away when the Yankees expanded a deal to include Xavier Nady. The Yankees gave up four prospects, including one of their top five. The Cardinals are not positioned to make such a sweeping move unless it is for a Holliday or Tulowitzki type player. That said, the Pirates may not be done making moves. The asking price for Jason Bay apparently has dropped within the last 48 hours. LH reliever John Grabow is also available. Colby Rasmus is not on the table for Bay.

Janice from Memphis: O wise and sagacious scribe, look into your crystal ball (or ask John Mozeliak, whichever is easiest) and tell me: will the Cardinals release Izzy before (or even after) the trade deadline so he can pursue his 300th save in a less frenzied (and friendlier) atmosphere?

Joe Strauss: Izzy is the closer (for now). After publicly backing Ryan Franklin in New York, TLR changed course in Atlanta and notified Franklin he was going back to the 8th inning while Dave Duncan informed Isringhausen in a separate conversation that he would close again. The club is looking to see how focused Izzy will be with his second chance. If the plug's pulled again, I expect the job will go to Adam Wainwright, not Franklin, unless a trade shakes up the equation.

George M.: In my opinion, the Cardinals don't have enough to seriously contend, so standing pat is a losing strategy. If they don't add significant talent to the major league roster to make a playoff push, I think they should be sellers at this point. I am assuming that they have given Lohse their best offer and gotten nowhere, so he is gone after this year. It also appears that they intend to let Looper go in free agency. Those two (Lohse especially) could bring good minor league prospects. If the only choices are stand pat or trade players who don't figure in future plans for prospects, I would trade. Your thoughts?

Joe Strauss: I don't expect the club to wave a white flag as long as TLR is its manager. This year's team is competing far better than last year's, and we saw no give in '07. I think the club accurately believes its fan base would have little tolerance for a sell-off with the club within a game or two of the wild card. I also question whether the manager would stand for it. Mo' has insisted Lohse is going nowhere. If Lohse is here, they're in it to win it. We can debate whether the Cards have the horses. But I don't see them making a U-turn from contention, a la Oakland A's. Like or dislike this manager, La Russa is a positive variable for a team in contention. We witnessed a managerial meltdown in Milwaukee last September and there will be significant pressure on Ned Yost this time as well. I have no problem with this team staying the course, but a move for the bullpen and the bench would be nice.

wally: Oh Noble One,
What is the Cardinals winning percentage since the start of the 2006 season?
Since LaRoche is hurt, would the Pirates accept Duncan and Thompson in exchange for Grabow and Wilson?
Which is greater, Rams wins in 2008 or saves by Izzy beginning August 1?

Joe Strauss: Duncan has a hernaited disk and at this point can't be assigned much value. I'm taking Izzy on the prop bet (though various local media outlets are already booking playoff flights for January).

BradV: Mr. (all-knowing) Chatmeister...... first of all, it is an extreme pleasure to read your thoughts on the Cards each week. I wish you had time to answer questions a few more times during the week..... I think it's time for JSL fans to pressure management on your behalf, for a raise!

Now that it has been officially announced the Izzy will be the closer once again, how long of a leash do you see him getting. I'm hoping since they are in a playoff race, that TLR doesn't allow him the time to "try and get comfortable" in the closer role again. They can't afford to have another string of blown saves, while Izzy tries to right his ship.

Joe Strauss: I couldn't agree more with your reverent intro. I think Izzy's "leash" is a short one, certainly no longer than the 2-3 weeks it will take for Wainwright to rehab, barring complications. If Waino is not bueno, things become more complicated if Izzy relapses. However, if Isringhausen takes command of the role and Wainwright proves healthy, things greatly simplify for what has been a very complicated pitching situation this season. Izzy's a big guy in this equation. I don't see how the club reaches the postseason without him producing.

Matt: I have been craving some JSL surfing ever since all the trade deadline coverage has been kicking up... Chatmeister, which player is most likely to be an addition to the Cardinals roster? Personally, i would really like to see George Sherril pitching in a Cards uniform.

Joe Strauss: Given the Atlanta Braves' looming purge, LH reliever Will Ohman will come cheaply. Asking prices for players can drop dramatically between now and tomorrow. I've already discussed Bay. The Colorado Rockies remain a major player if they come to their senses and position themselves as sellers. Fuentes fits what the Cardinals need and the Rockies are among the organizations who have appreciation for the Cardinal's minor-league system. Sherrill would be a nice contractual fit but I don't know if there's a fit there. The Orioles want a shortstop; I don't believe the Cardinals are going to kick T. Greene loose.

tc22: Joe,
I really like what Skippy Schumaker brings to this team at the leadoff position. Sure he has been horrible hitting lefties, but he seems to be improving. Do the Cardinals believe that he is the permanent answer to their leadoff questions for next year?

Joe Strauss: Schu' projects as one half of a platoon. Because he hits LH, that's not bad. I was a Schu' backer last season when he was sent out after hitting .435 in July, arguably one of the organization's least defensible moves of the season. He does everything well except hit for power and hit LH pitching. I can live with that for a fourth outfielder.

GSW: Chatmeister,

Please bring reason to the masses. The message boards are screaming that Carp's start is a "desperation" move, Bernie says trade Perez before he becomes Anthony Reyes, and, as of now (Monday), nothing on the trade front. Mo and the rest of the FO can't be as incompetent as suggested - what's the real scoop on these topics?

Remember, with the tsunami at your back, you can truly say, "After me, the deluge."

Joe Strauss: Wow, the NFL mentality is alive and well in Cardinal Nation. This team has overachieved. The "message boards" too often become forums for rants by adult kindergarteners. The so-called incompetent front office acquired Troy Glaus and Kyle Lohse with little trade leverage in Glaus' case and for $4.25 million for Lohse. Hey, I love hearing what the fan base has to say. But those who scream the loudest aren't necessarily the ones speaking for the majority. We'll get a quick read on Carpenter against a stripped-down team tonight. I believe he's physically sound but, as the manager suggested earlier this week, probably a start or two from being major league sharp. His presence suggests a lack of confidence in the younger arms. There may be an issue.

tc22: Chatmeister,

What do predict will be the payroll for next years' Cardinals? Will Mozeliak and DeWitt finally realize that they can't pinch those pennies so hard for another year? Is a $10-15 million increase reasonable for next year? THANKS JOE!

Joe Strauss: I believe payroll will remain static, around $100-$105 million. That would be an increase of no more than $5 million. Enjoy.

The Pastor: As of this posting (Tuesday midday), still no word of acquisitions or trades to bolster the Cards lineup. I think the majority of Cardinal Nation is going to feel disenfranchised if nothing or next to nothing happens by the July 31 deadline. If no one of consequence is added to the our team, do you, personally, think the front office "battle plan" is amiss? And what do you think it will take for them to be willing to make a course correction?

Joe Strauss: I've stated on AM-1380's "The Roll Home" that the trade deadline may be a referendum on the new front office for many fans. I'm not saying it should be, but many will use it as a test of this organization's credibility. If nothing happens and this team tanks, I expect there to be adverse impact on next season's season ticket sales (barring an impact move this offseason). Many fans tell me of their frustration with promises of payroll flexibility only to see nothing happen. With all its talk about dedicating itself to the future, I sometimes wonder if the club has a blind spot for such dissatisfaction. Given TLR's push for help several weeks ago, I'm not sure the referendum is limited to the fan base. We'll see.

renomike99: Joe, seems to me the Cardinals will forego making any trade at all until after July 31. Putting Jason Isringhausen back in the closer role seems particularly telling...Isringhausen has done almost everything in his power to pitch himself out of finishing ballgames. Yet HE'S BACK. Is the asking price for relief help really as high as Cardinal management seems to suggest? Are the Cardinals as reluctant as they seem to take on additional salary? My take is that the Cardinals 1) are seriously overvaluing their own prospects and 2) are overly fixated on holding on to prospects. Sad because in the process they are missing out on a possible championship run. Your thoughts?

Joe Strauss: The price tag for relievers will come down the next 24 hours. I don't believe taking on another $1-2 million in pro-rated salary is a big deal for the club. Sacrificing young players is a big deal. Other organizations share your opinion about how the Cardinals (over)value their own. The Cardinals, however, weigh what a fringe (reliever/bench bat} move does in the big picture against the Brewers and Cubs. The Cubs have more talent. No one disputes that. The Cardinals have to answer can they do enough to win the wild card, and is worth it if it means sacrificing a top 5 prospect.

Tackleberry: JSL the Summer Tsunami!

Three questions, sir:

1. Why did LaRussa leave Izzy in to bat on Saturday night and then not pitch him in the bottom-half of that inning, is the bench that shallow?

2. Glove or not how much longer can this team ride out Izturis' .222 BA, or is it a LaRussa man-crush destined to frustrate fans all of '08?

3. Why not McClellan as closer, then into the rotation in '09 a la Wainwright?

Joe Strauss: 1. The Cards led and TLR did not want to burn a grossly short bench. That said, some suggested Braden Looper represented a decent option as a pinch hitter. Even if Izzy reaches, is he going to be allowed to run the bases on a bad hip?

2. If the lineup is otherwise producing, TLR can live with Izturis. Recently, the lineup has been very inconsistent. However, Brendan Ryan has not offered the bat many believed he would this season. TLR plays the team he is given.

3. With Randy Flores struggling, McClellan is the de facto second LH reliever (even though he throws right). If the club acquires LH relief help, you fantasy may be closer to reality, though I would bet against it. I don't see McClellan competing for a starting spot in next season's rotation. Maybe in 2010.

tim: Whats all this trading Lohse BS. Thats just typical of Dewitt, hed rather trade away the hero and ace of not only our rotation but the bullpen too keeping the innings off them than fork over some extra money for a deserving starer. Im gonna go ahead and predict the future and say the cards are gonna do their usual off season routine and say they are gonna add some impact players but add washed up players just coming off of surgery(Clement)and watch them get destroyed in every level of our minor league system

Joe Strauss: I don't believe ownership is the source of the "Trade Lohse" rumors. To the contrary, Mo' has been emphatic that Lohse is going nowhere.

Brian: hey Joe,

what's up with the Reyes deal ... just a chance to dump Reyes, or does the guy we got actually have a chance to make an impact in St. Louis?

also, I've gotten to see Mather in AAA this year, and I saw him Monday in Atlanta ... he's looked very good at both levels when I've seen him. His last two at bats Monday, he swung at some pitches he shouldn't have, making me think he needs more work against good ( major league ) pitchers, but the guy can clearly hit. Any chance he sticks around for a lengthy amount of time?

Joe Strauss: At the end, it became a dump. He clearly did not fit in the major league staff's plans and four years at Memphis only eroded his value. The Cardinals could have received some value for him as late as last July but backed away. Other teams read the situation as well as the Cardinals' fan base. I still believe Reyes will become a serviceable major-league starter, but he needed a new start. He was never going to buy into Duncan's pitch-to-contact philosophy. Mather is an interesting guy. He's got holes but he's the best RH power hitter the organization has sent to St. Louis since Pujols. He at least offers a power deterrent. Barring a trade for bench help, he likely stays.

Matt: Hey Chatmeister! All this talk about our improving farm system has me interested in some of the players currently down on the farm. I think with the increased emphasis in player development there should be more coverage on the players who could be playing up in St. Louis in a couple of years. I had a question on your thoughts on some of the prospects the Cardinals have. What do you think of the following prospects and their potential and current development? Could any of these players make an impact on the Cards roster in the future?

SS. Tyler Greene
OF. Jon Jay
OF. Daryl Jones
SP. Clayton Mortenson
SP. Adam Ottavino
3B. Allen Craig
RP. Fernando Salas
SP. Scott Garceau
SP. Nick Addition
SS. Pete Kozma
SS. Nico Vasquez
C. Paul Vazquez

Thanks Chatmeister!

Joe Strauss: To address them all would take up the rest of the chat. Jones has done much to increase his standing, as has Greene. Jay is a "tools" guy. Craig's defense, especially his arm, gives pause. A surplus of 3B makes him available for a move, in my opinion. Ottavino was pictured on the cover of our season opening special section but he has not had a productive season. Salas is intriguing after being purchased from Mexico. Some believe Mortenson has been rushed, to his detriment. Kozma was initially panned as a first-round draftee but is winning supporters. I don't know if he projects at SS. The Cardinals consider themselves thin up the middle.

brady: Do you thank cards should have traded Anthony Reyes?

Joe Strauss: Yes. For his good more than anything.

Ramshorn07: First time blogging here ,but extremely loyal reader. I wanted to first of all say thank you for being and beacon of info from the 3rd world country many call Virginia. What is going on with Mulder? Will Colby be called up after injury? Are we really not going to make a little spalsh even to get some run of the road lefthanded reliever? Thanks, from probally the only abaseball in Va!

Joe Strauss: Hey, big guy. We don't "blog" here. We chat. Blogs are self-promotional vehicles thinly-disguised as avenues for information. Chats are not disguised at all. It's entirely about self promotion. Memorize the difference if you want to ride the big wave. Mulder is done for the season. He's playing golf in Arizona and is contemplating whether to shut down his career. Rasmus' chances for a September call-up improved with his absence from the Olympics. The doctors may decide. I believe there is a move coming for relief help. As a Virginia native, I take strong exception to your description of the Old Dominion. It's Virginia, not West Virginia. The difference is as much as between "blog" and "chat."

CS: Do you think Carpenter will be on a pitch restriction? Is 75-85 a reasonable estimate?

Joe Strauss: You've nailed it, sir.

Troy in Florissant: Mr. Strauss,

I enjoyed your story on Chris Carpenter in this morning's PD. A couple of questions regarding this start:

1. What is a realistic expectation for his performance?

2. What is your opinion as to whether this return is being rushed?

Thanks for your continued excellence in getting the straight scoop to Cards fans.

Joe Strauss: Five innings is a realistic hope. If he leaves with the Cardinals ahead, celebrate it as a positive first step.
Do I think he's being rushed... absolutely. Another minor-league start would have worked in his favor. I'm not so down on Mitchell Boggs as to believe another start for him would guarantee a loss. But the ChatMeister is only a beat hack who gets his jollies from riding a big wave once a week.

iowacardsfan: O Great Chatmeister,

Looking ahead to the year-end schedule, the Cards host the Reds at Busch for the final three games, while the Cubs and Brew Crew battle it out at Miller Park. Assuming a tight race remains, nothing could be better than to face lowly Cincy while the other top teams in the division beat each other up. Could play out well.

Joe Strauss: Astute observation. The Cubs play 16 of their last 22 on the road, where they frequently encounter Kryptonite. By then, however, the Cardinals may be fighting the Brew Crew for the WC.

Jay (aka) Rene' Arocha's green card: Imperial Wizard of the Chat-a-noogy,

Your thoughts on Al and Dan's/Cards management whacky propganda that Carp and Wainwright are essentially answers to the Brewers/CC and the Cubs/Harden aquisiions. Are they playing the company line or simply out out their minds? Bottom line - the Cards have no freakin' idea what they'll get out of either (see Mark Mulder) and shouldn't be portrayed as anything more than POSSIBLE positive additons.

I'll take my answer off the air, thank you.

Joe Strauss: I'm not so sure I appreciate your salutation, sir. Try better next time.

wghstl: Is Kennedy in TLR's doghouse? What's the scoop on his lack of playing time, especially against lefties?

Joe Strauss: Since Reyes has been traded, a bunk has opened up in that double-wide doghouse. Kennedy has approached the manager about his playing time, but not recently. Apparently, "It is what it is." TLR did not wrap his arms around the topic Tuesday night. It's a lot of jack to be paying a guy to play sparingly while hitting better than .300 for more than the past month.

JH1979: w/ Carp's return tonight, I still wonder about the conflicting velocity reports: one source saying "upper 80's", another "89-91", another (Dave Duncan on 590 yesterday) saying "92, 93". during his peak, he could pitch at 93-95 with the moving fastball. what is the real word here, how ready is his stuff to come back and be successful right now?

Joe Strauss: I saw Carp' max out at 92 on one pitch at Springfield. If he averages 89-91, that's good. His velocity depends partly on mechanics. In Springfield, Carpenter was cutting the ball. If he remains square to the plate tonight, expect good things. He had trouble early against Memphis as well. The hitters will let you know.

manual: Hi Joe,
ive read that the cards have interest in JJ putz.....any truth to this? and if so, any idea what it would cost us? i would like this move as putz would be under control through 2010 while chris perez develops into the closer role at the major league level. if we had to give up perez to get him though, i dont like it unless the cards plan to re-sign putz which would seem to be out of the cards price range for a closer.

Joe Strauss: The Mariners have been one of the most persistent teams following the Cardinals. Washburn apparently is not moving here. Putz certainly fits this team's needs, though he likely would cost a premium prospect (Perez, Garcia). I'm not shooting it down, but it would represent a shift in organizational thinking.

Demasoni: Hi Joe,

Long time reader 1st time posting. What are you hearing from the inside about any kind of deal happening? Mo has to make some sort of move doesn't he? With the Mulder experement blowing up at Philly and then rushing Carp back I think the team needs a starter, a closer and I would be content with that. Any chance of that happening? We are close and can contend this year with a few moves to bolster everything. Just wondered what you knew if anything.

Thanks...

Joe Strauss: The Pirates, Rockies, Mariners, Braves and Orioles remain in play. The Royals' Mahay is rumored to Philadelphia. Will Ohman is doable but Mo' may still aim higher tomorrow. The organization has clung to Walt Jocketty's philosophy of not raising expectations. I still anticipate a bullpen move with a LH being most likely.

edestin22: Alright!
I think it would make perfect sense to trade for Fuentes and Holliday including Rasmus in it because Holliday is still pretty young and he has been proven, nobody really knows if Rasmus can compete in the Big League level - he has not been proven yet.

Thanks Joe oh by the way tell me how you feel about the Pujols comment regarding you saying some stupid then the next three days he hits home run.

Joe Strauss: Many would agree with you, and I believe if the Cardinals expand a deal, it will be with the Rockies. As Jeff Luhnow suggested last weekend, no one should be considered untradeable. Read what you may into that. Albert and I "discussed" his comments in New York and laughed about the build-up. He's the best hitter I have ever personally covered. El Hombre knows he is graded on a higher scale, but I also realize he is sensitive to HR questions. They still get asked. That said, I expect a 10 percent cut of any incentive bonus he receives this season for spurring him on with "stupid questions." Albert surely realizes he only increases his Q-factor by mentioning the ChatMeister by name on national TV. Hollywood stars get their names in print by getting divorced or going into rehab. El Hombre knows he only has to call out JSL!!! to ride the wave.

Joe Strauss: That's going to do it for today. I will approach the Cardinals GM about doing another chat in the near future, since he is better qualified to answer for his approach to the deadline and the season's final weeks. Keep spending 75 cents daily to find out if it will happen. Meanwhile, contact your favorite P-D editor to insist that Lee Enterprises properly feed the tsunami. More pay, better equipment and more perks (the JSL!!! Gulfstream) equals more chat. Outta here.